New Student Advising and Registration
Welcome to the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts. We are pleased that you have chosen to pursue your educational career with us and hope to provide the tools necessary for a smooth transition to the University of Illinois Chicago. A key determinant of your academic success in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts is your academic advising upon admission to one of our degree programs. Academic advisors are available to assist you with program planning and course selection. Using a combination of your placement test scores, AP credits, and the Degree Audit Report (DARS), which lists each program’s academic degree requirements, academic advisors will assist you in selecting your first semester courses appropriate to your program of study.
Degree Requirements
To earn a College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts degree from UIC, students need to complete University, college, and department/school degree requirements. University and college degree requirements for all College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts students are outlined below.
The College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts semester hour requirement varies by degree program.
| Unit | Major | Degree Conferred | Total Hours |
| Architecture | Architecture | BS Architecture | 122 |
| Architecture | Architectural Studies | BA Architectural Studies | 120 |
| Design | Graphic Design | BDES Graphic Design | 132 |
| Design | Industrial Design | BDES Industrial Design | 132 |
| Design | Design Studies | BA Design Studies | 120 |
| Art and Art History | Art | BFA Art | 129 |
| Art | Art Education | BFA Art Education | 133 |
| Art History | Art History | BA Art History | 120 |
| Art and Art History | Interdisciplinary Education in the Arts | BA Interdisciplinary Education in the Arts | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Music | BA Music | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Performance | BMUS Performance | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Jazz Studies | BMUS Jazz Studies | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Music Education | BMUS Music Education | 122 |
| Theatre and Music | Theatre and Performance | BA Theatre and Performance | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Theatre Design, Production, and Technology | BA Design, Production, and Technology | 120 |
| Theatre and Music | Acting | BFA Acting | 120 |
General Education Requirements
Core Requirements
General Education at UIC is designed to serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in the General Education Core with at least one course from each of the following categories:
I. Analyzing the Natural World
II. Understanding the Individual and Society
III. Understanding the Past
IV. Understanding the Creative Arts
V. Exploring World Cultures
VI. Understanding U.S. Society
For a description and a list of courses for each General Education Core category, students should consult the General Education section of the catalog. Information on meeting the General Education Core requirements for each degree program is provided in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts department sections.
Proficiency —University Writing Requirement
College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts students meet the requirement by achieving a passing grade in English 160 and 161.
Foundation Course Requirements
Each school and department in the college has a different set of foundation and major course requirements. Students must fulfill all the foundation and major course requirements outlined for their degree program.
Preparation for New Student Advising and Registration (NSAR) and Orientation
You should have received your admissions materials for Placement Testing, Online Orientation Modules, and New Student Advising and Registration (NSAR). During the summer months, the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts NSAR will be held in Zoom. While New Student Orientation will be held in person.
Students are required to complete placement tests before registering for a New Student Advising and Registration (NSAR) date. Once you have registered for an NSAR date, you can sign up for Orientation. To begin preparation for New Student Advising and Registration and Orientation, please visit my.uic.edu, the University of Illinois Chicago portal for incoming students.
At your New Student Advising and Registration (NSAR) session, you will have a College Welcome with Tom Moss, the Associate Dean of Students, and then meet with your Academic Advisor in a group setting to learn more about the degree requirements for your program of study and register for the upcoming semester.
Since the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts NSAR is held virtually, you will need to have a computer with Zoom installed prior to your scheduled NSAR. Please be sure to allow Zoom access to your computer’s camera and microphone, as you will need both to communicate with your academic advisor during the NSAR session. Please do not attend your session on a phone or tablet!
Also, this year, for the first time, new incoming Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Design students will participate in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts NSAR in place of the College of Engineering NSAR.
If you have any questions about CADA’s New Student Advising and Registration, please message cada.orientation@uic.edu.